The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Verizon’s $20 billion acquisition of fiber internet provider Frontier. This move allows Verizon to enhance and expand Frontier’s existing fiber networks, aiming to bring fiber connectivity to an additional 1 million homes annually.
The approval came after Verizon committed to discontinuing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)-related practices. According to FCC Chair Brendan Carr, Verizon acknowledged that certain DEI policies could be associated with discrimination. Consequently, Verizon will eliminate HR roles focused on DEI, remove references to DEI from training materials, and adjust its public messaging accordingly.
This decision follows criticism from Carr earlier this year regarding Verizon’s DEI policies, suggesting such policies could hinder merger approvals. Similar adjustments were made by T-Mobile during its acquisition of Lumos. Through this merger, Verizon also reclaims part of its fiber business sold to Frontier in 2015.
— new from The Verge
